You have just had your first baby, and the excitement is high.  As you’re adjusting to this new life phase, you’ll likely also be wondering how to get your body back.  Don’t worry or stress, you will be guided below on how to exactly get back the body you had and,  together with that, a body that is fit and healthy as well.  Follow these tips, and you’ll be looking and feeling great in no time.

1) Take it slow;

Not being able to get into your clothes after a pregnancy could make you feel stressed out or even bring along some blues.  But there is good news. You don’t need to do it all in a jiffy.  Take it slow and take your time.  Give yourself time to adjust to your new life as a mom and to your baby, and ease into this venture.  Putting too much on yourself and not allowing yourself some time could lead to total exhaustion and may cause you to give up totally.  

Start by taking gentle walks,  performing light exercises such as Yoga or Pilates, or swimming.  As you seem to start building strength and stamina, you can start picking up the pace and put a little bit more effort into your exercise routine.  Remember to make time to rest and take intervals with time, you will reach your required weight, and your body will regain its shape.

2) Breastfeed;

Breastfeeding is beneficial not only for your baby but also for you.  It helps with the weight loss process, as it can burn up to 500 calories a day.  Breastfeeding also helps the uterus contract back to its pre-pregnancy size and releases hormones that promise relaxation.  Additionally, breastfeeding can help reduce stress and boost your mood through the release of oxytocin.

Mothers who breastfeed also tend to have lower levels of postpartum depression.  Furthermore, breastfeeding provides essential nutrients in the right proportions and is full of antibodies that can help protect your baby from illnesses and allergies.  All these benefits make breastfeeding a great addition to any postnatal recovery plan.  

3) Drink a lot of water;

This is an often overlooked tip on getting fit after pregnancy but drinking lots of water is key.  Not only does it promote healthy digestion and keep skin looking great, but it can also aid in reducing bloating – another common post-pregnancy symptom – making it easier for you to get back into shape more quickly.

4) Take a family walk;

If you don’t feel like going to the gym for now, consider taking your baby for walks in a park or a stroll in the community and close surrounding areas. Walking will definitely start the process, and start building those muscles again without damaging anything.  You could even consider taking walls with your hubby, that will bring some “fitness” into his life as well.  

The fresh air will do you good, and just getting out of your daily routine and ouit of the house will bring a major shift in your mind and well-being. Pick up the pace, say after a week, and keep a schedule pushing yourself a bit harder every day.

5) Eat healthy;

Let’s kick this off by saying if you’re not a morning eater, why not start your day with slimming shakes?  Some people forget that eating is a major part of gaining your goal weight back and building up the stamina that you need.  Your diet needs all the necessary particles for example foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help fuel your body, giving you the energy you need to tackle your daily tasks.

Healthy eating has been linked to increased milk production in breastfeeding moms, making it even more beneficial for new mothers.  Aim to incorporate a wide variety of foods into your diet to ensure that you are getting all the essential vitamins and minerals you need.  Once again, make sure you stay hydrated.  If you forget this, it may lead to fatigue and a slow metabolism. 

Getting your body back after pregnancy can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be.  With the right plan of action, you can bounce back quickly.  Start by breastfeeding as it has loads of benefits for both mom and baby.  Drink lots of water, take family walks, and eat healthy foods that are full of essential vitamins and minerals.  Make sure to get enough sleep and rest so your body can heal and recharge.  Incorporate light exercises such as yoga and pilates into your routine for toning up muscles. If your skin needs some love, check out Mio Skincare – they have their own pregnancy range  Lastly, don’t forget to stay hydrated throughout the day for optimal health.